We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ashley “bloom” Madison. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ashley “Bloom” below.

Ashley “Bloom”, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

There are multiple layers to mastering skills on roller skates. The biggest takeaway from this journey is practice. Practice is the only sure way to master anything on roller skates. Taking lessons every week, practicing what I learned, watching other skaters, and talking to other skaters motivated me to be better than I was the day before. In fact, I still use the same mantra to improve new skills I want to learn: Practice Makes Improvement.

The only regret I have is not starting sooner. It felt silly to start skating again after 30 until I met skaters who are grandparents and move like they’re in their twenties.

The only way to speed up the learning process is practice, practice, practice. If I understood then what practice meant in the beginning of my journey, I would have put in so much more time to refine my skills.

The most important skills to have with skating are 1) Learning how to fall (because it’s inevitable) 2) Be safe, but fearless (hard to do when you’re an adult and you have people who depend on you) and 3) Mastering balancing on each foot separately.

The biggest obstacles of learning more are time and fear of falling/getting hurt. Time isn’t always on my side being a busy, working wife & mom. Trying to balance work-home-skate life has its challenges. Fear of injury goes without saying. As a mom, fear blocks my desire to learn new tricks just because I understand the risks of skating and the possibility of not being able to take care of my family. It’s almost silly to think that way now. I’ve practiced falling so much that it feels second nature now.

Ashley “Bloom”, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m She She aka Bloom aka your new skate bestie! I’m a professional roller skater, content creator, and instructor passionate about helping people build confidence and get comfortable on their wheels. My journey into the roller skating industry started as a personal passion—one that quickly turned into a mission to inspire others to lace up their skates and believe in themselves, no matter their starting point.

Through my social media platforms, I create beginner-friendly tutorials, motivational content, and relatable insights into the ups and downs of the skating journey. I’ve built a community of skaters who look to me not only for technique but also for encouragement to push past their fears, stay consistent, and embrace the learning process. I recently launched my Skate-A-Day series on YouTube, providing daily tutorials to help beginners gain confidence and control on skates. Additionally, I’m working on a beginner roller skating e-book designed for those who may not have access to a coach or rink but still want to learn and grow in the sport.

Beyond teaching, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with brands that align with my passion for movement, creativity, and empowerment. I’ve partnered with companies in the roller skating and athletic wear industries, proving that skating isn’t just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle that can open doors to incredible opportunities. However, getting to this point wasn’t easy. I heard a lot of “no’s” before landing my first “yes.” But my persistence, consistency, and ability to pivot when needed have helped me turn my passion into a career.

What sets me apart is my approachability and the emotional connection I bring to my content. Skating isn’t just about technique—it’s about overcoming self-doubt, pushing through setbacks, and showing up even when it’s tough. My goal is to help others see that they are capable of more than they think, both on and off skates.

I’m most proud of the impact my content has had on my audience. The messages I receive from skaters who tell me they finally nailed a move they’ve been struggling with, or that they felt seen and understood because of something I shared, mean everything to me. My goal is to continue growing, reaching more people, and proving that roller skating—and the mindset it builds—can change lives.

For anyone new to my content, I want them to know that this is a space where they will be encouraged, supported, and reminded that progress is progress, no matter how small. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your skills to the next level, I’m here to help you keep rolling—literally and figuratively!

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the core of my creative journey is the mission to make roller skating more accessible, empowering, and fun for people of all skill levels. I want to break down the barriers that make skating feel intimidating, especially for beginners, and create a welcoming space where people feel encouraged to keep going—even when they struggle.

Beyond just teaching skills, my goal is to inspire confidence, resilience, and self-expression through movement. Skating changed my life in ways I never expected, and I want to pass that feeling on to others. Whether it’s through my tutorials, motivational content, or collaborations, everything I create is rooted in the belief that skating—and the mindset it builds—can transform lives.

I also want to challenge the outdated idea that roller skating is just a hobby. I’m proving that with passion, persistence, and creativity, it can be a career, a community, and a vehicle for opportunities beyond what many people imagine.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the idea that consistency means never taking a break. I used to believe that if I wasn’t showing up every single day—skating, posting, creating—I was falling behind. But that mindset led to burnout, frustration, and moments where I lost sight of why I started in the first place.

The reality is, true consistency isn’t about never stopping—it’s about knowing when to pause, reset, and come back stronger. I had to learn that rest is a necessary part of growth. Taking a step back doesn’t mean failure; it means I’m preserving my energy for the long run.

This shift in perspective has helped me approach my journey with more balance. Now, I give myself grace when I need it, knowing that sustainability is the key to long-term success—not just in skating, but in anything worth pursuing.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sk8bloomer/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@sk8bloomer?si=j-4BXlQaxRc358jL
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sk8bloomer

Image Credits

Maddy Crouch
Generations Productions